profession
Massachusetts physician shortages worsening
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 1, 2010
Physician shortages are rising in Massachusetts, with shortages reported in 10 of 18 specialties, according to the Massachusetts Medical Society's 9th annual Physician Workforce Study. That's three more specialties than in 2009, with primary care shortages seen for the past five years.
About 50% of primary care physicians aren't accepting new patients. Patients wait an average of 29 days to see a family physician and 53 days for an internist. Community hospitals are the most affected, with many having to change services and reshuffle staff because they are unable to attract and retain physicians, according to the study (link).
The state's universal health plan has extended health care coverage, but a strong physician work force is needed to provide access, said Alice Coombs, MD, the medical society's president. "The findings from this latest analysis clearly show how fragile access to care for patients is across the entire Commonwealth," she said.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/01/prbf1101.htm.
